Common name: Snake-eel

Scientific name: Ophichthus ophis (Linnaeus, 1758)

General information

The Snake Eel, specifically the Banded Snake Eel (Ophichthus ophis), is a fascinating species that resembles terrestrial snakes in appearance. This eel is known for its elongated body, which is marked with dark bands, giving it a distinctive banded pattern. They are not commonly kept in home aquariums due to their specialized care requirements and potential size.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
40 cm (1′4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers sandy substrate for burrowing
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys live or frozen shrimp, fish
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept singly
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be aggressive to small fish
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Eels
    Anguilliformes
  5. Family
    Snake Eels
    Ophichthidae
  6. Genus
    Snake Eels
    Ophichthus
  7. Species
    Snake-eel
    Ophichthus ophis (Linnaeus, 1758)
  8. Synonyms
    ? havanensis Bloch & Schneider, 1801
    Anguilla serpens Shaw, 1803
    Antobrantia ribeiroi Pinto, 1970
    Herpetoichthys callisoma Abbott, 1860
    Herpetoichthys sulcatus Kaup, 1856
    Muraena hauannensis Bloch & Schneider, 1801
    Muraena ophis Linnaeus, 1758
    Ophichthys ophis (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Ophisurus guttatus Cuvier, 1816
    Ophisurus havanensis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
    Uranichthys brachycephalus Poey, 1867
    Uranichthys havanensis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Care

Snake Eels require a large aquarium with a deep sand bed to mimic their natural habitat, where they burrow for protection. They are escape artists, so a tightly fitting lid is essential. These eels are carnivorous and prefer a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp. They can be shy and reclusive, making them more suitable for experienced aquarists.

Reproduction

In the wild, Snake Eels are known to lay eggs in burrows. However, breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented. Hobbyists should focus on providing optimal care rather than attempting to breed these eels.

Habitat

Banded Snake Eels are found in tropical and subtropical waters, often in sandy or muddy substrates near coral reefs. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 90 meters deep. Their geographical distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the easternmost islands of the Pacific.